scope:

This publication contains background information on organisation, communications, shiphandling and emergency procedures.

Purpose of ATP-43(C)/MTP-43(C)

a. The purpose of ATP-43(C)/MTP-43(C) is to establish common organisation procedures for vessel to vessel towing so that those concerned with planning and executing such operations may make the best use of the resources available from the various nations.

b. The primary aim of this publication is to ensure that ships of Allied Nations can effectively conduct vessel to vessel towing operations. It is not intended to prevent an officer exercising tactical command from initiating and issuing special instructions or from conceiving and developing new procedures. It assumes that nations have an effective procedure that can cope with a towing operation.